Guide Dogs: New Accessibility Challenges for Blind People in Brazil
Founded 19 years ago, the Association of Guide Dogs for the Blind in Sao Paulo works to reintegrate visually impaired people into the society as productive citizens through mobility using guide dogs.
Even with all of its years of work, last May, in the city of Sao Paulo, lawyer Thays Matinez was barred by security from entering the metro with her guide dog, Boris.
"It's the same as impeding a physically disabled person from using a wheelchair to get around," said Mónica Grimaldi, lawyer who specializes in Animal and Environmental Legislation and is vice-president of the Association. "It is an action based on prejudice and ignorance of the laws," she concludes indignantly. Her indignation is surely understandable, considering that the 1997 Municipal Law 12.492 guarantees unrestricted access for guide dogs in any establishment and on public transportation.
Accordingly to Grimaldi, right now new laws are going through Congress at both the State and Federal levels that will give priorities to guide dogs. In her opinion, it is important that public agencies be conscious of the needs of people with visual impairments: "Today there are approximately 40,000 in Brazil but the number of persons with disabilities who participate in the labor market is infinitely smaller because there are neither projects nor interest in including these professionals in the job market. Projects that recognize the true abilities of people with visual disabilities and the utility of guide dogs are urgently needed" concluded Grimaldi.
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